"It is natural for people's feelings to be aroused when they suffer unjust abuses," wrote Leaun G. Otten and C. Max Caldwell in Sacred Truths of the
Doctrine and Covenants. "The saints in Missouri were no exception. When they were subjected to mobocracy, some felt a desire to retaliate."In [Section 98T the Lord counseled the saints how to proceed in order that their lives and their behavior might stand approved before the Lord. The principles embodied in this revelation are applicable to all people. . . .
"The Lord introduced His revelation to the afflicted saints by assuring them that He was aware of their suffering and persecutions. His love for them was manifested when He acknowledged their prayers and counseled them to trust Him and be patient through their trials and tribulations. (D&C 98:1-2.)
"The promise extended to the saints in this revelation is one of the great evidences of His hand in the affairs of men. He said:
" `All things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory.' (D&C 98:3.)
"It is not difficult to see the complete turnabout that has taken place in the posture and position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the world. Its image is changing from one of being despised and hated to one of respect, dignity, and admiration. The name of the Lord is being vindicated and His work is one of glory as it becomes the means of salvation to Father's children throughout the nations of the earth.
"The Lord is true and faithful. In His preface to His book of Doctrine and Covenants, He said that every promise contained within the book would be fulfilled. (See D&C 1:37.) It is truly a witness and testimony to us that the Lord lives as we see His word being fulfilled."
